Places and their former names

By By AUBREY COHEN

Many cities and countries have changed their names over the centuries. Sunday's Super Bowl will be played just outside of New York, which, of course, used to be New Amsterdam.

See if you can identify these other places based on their former monikers. We'll start with a city that's famous for one name change, but before that was changed from an earlier name: Byzantium. Legend dates the city to around 650 B.C. It long survived as an independent city-state, then part of the Roman Empire. less

Many cities and countries have changed their names over the centuries. Sunday's Super Bowl will be played just outside of New York, which, of course, used to be New Amsterdam.

Many cities and countries have changed their names over the... Photo-5804211.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Emperor Constantine the Great chose Byzantium as a new capital in 330 A.D. He initially called it "New Rome," but "Constantinople" is what stuck.

Emperor Constantine the Great chose Byzantium as a new capital in 330 A.D. He initially called it "New Rome," but "Constantinople" is what stuck.

Photo: Arild Vagen, Wikimedia Commons

Emperor Constantine the Great chose Byzantium as a new capital in... Photo-5804212.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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These days, as the song says, it's Istanbul, not Constantinople. Actually, Istanbul had been the commonly used name for centuries before 1930, when Turkey's government officially made the switch.

These days, as the song says, it's Istanbul, not Constantinople. Actually, Istanbul had been the commonly used name for centuries before 1930, when Turkey's government officially made the switch.

Photo: Evan Vucci, AFP/Getty Images

These days, as the song says, it's Istanbul, not... Photo-5804213.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Moving further into Central Europe, we find Pressburg, shown here in Johann Daniel Hertz's 1741 depiction of the Coronation of Maria Theresa. That actually was the German name for the city. Hungarians called it Pozsony (actually, they still do). less

Moving further into Central Europe, we find Pressburg, shown here in Johann Daniel Hertz's 1741 depiction of the Coronation of Maria Theresa. That actually was the German name for the city. Hungarians called it ... more

In 1919, after the newly created Czechoslovakia gained independence, Slovaks renamed their capital Bratislava -- an appellation Slovak nationalists had adopted earlier. Bratislava is now the capital of Slovakia. less

In 1919, after the newly created Czechoslovakia gained independence, Slovaks renamed their capital Bratislava -- an appellation Slovak nationalists had adopted earlier. Bratislava is now the capital of ... more

Photo: John Flinn, Special To The Chronicle

In 1919, after the newly created Czechoslovakia gained... Photo-5804215.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Many of us have heard the name Danzig, but couldn't say where it is.

Many of us have heard the name Danzig, but couldn't say where it is.

Photo: Cameron Hewitt

Many of us have heard the name Danzig, but couldn't say where... Photo-5804216.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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In fact, Danzig has a long history of bouncing around between Poland, Prussia, Germany and independence as a city-state. Most recently, it was independent before World War II, annexed into Germany during the war and then handed over to Poland, under the Polish name Gdansk, after the war. The Solidarity labor movement formed at the Gdansk shipyard in 1980 and went on to play a major role in the collapse of the Soviet bloc. less

In fact, Danzig has a long history of bouncing around between Poland, Prussia, Germany and independence as a city-state. Most recently, it was independent before World War II, annexed into Germany during the ... more

Photo: Cameron Hewitt

In fact, Danzig has a long history of bouncing around between... Photo-5804217.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Christiania is another name that might ring a bell to many of us.

Christiania is another name that might ring a bell to many of us.

Photo: Norwegian Maritime Museum, Wikimedia Commons

Christiania is another name that might ring a bell to many of us. Photo-5804218.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Oslo was the original name of the Norwegian town. After a fire in 1624, King Christian IV had it rebuilt in a new location, with a new name. Christiana became Kristiana in 1877. It was changed back to Oslo in 1925. less

Oslo was the original name of the Norwegian town. After a fire in 1624, King Christian IV had it rebuilt in a new location, with a new name. Christiana became Kristiana in 1877. It was changed back to Oslo in ... more

Photo: Li-sung/Wikimedia Commons

Oslo was the original name of the Norwegian town. After a fire in... Photo-5804219.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Stalingrad, in the then Soviet Union, was the site of some of the fiercest fighting in World War II, and any war before or since.

Stalingrad, in the then Soviet Union, was the site of some of the fiercest fighting in World War II, and any war before or since.

Photo: Daily Herald Archive, Getty Images

Stalingrad, in the then Soviet Union, was the site of some of the... Photo-5804220.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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The city was Tsaritsyn before 1925, when it was renamed to honor Joseph Stalin, and has been Volgograd since 1961, after Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev renounced Stalin.

The city was Tsaritsyn before 1925, when it was renamed to honor Joseph Stalin, and has been Volgograd since 1961, after Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev renounced Stalin.

Photo: MIKHAIL MORDASOV, AFP/Getty Images

The city was Tsaritsyn before 1925, when it was renamed to honor... Photo-5804221.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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The Soviet leaders, of course, renamed many cities after communist leaders. We figured Leningrad (Saint Petersburg before and since) would be too easy. So how about Sverdlovsk?

The Soviet leaders, of course, renamed many cities after communist leaders. We figured Leningrad (Saint Petersburg before and since) would be too easy. So how about Sverdlovsk?

Yekaterinburg, Russia, was founded in 1723 and named for Tsar Peter the Great's wife Catherine I. It's also where Tsar Nicholas II and his family were killed on July 17, 1918. Other Soviet cities since reverted to their former names include Nizhny Novgorod (Gorky in Soviet times), Perm (Molotov under Stalin's influence) and Kuibyshev (Samara). less

Yekaterinburg, Russia, was founded in 1723 and named for Tsar Peter the Great's wife Catherine I. It's also where Tsar Nicholas II and his family were killed on July 17, 1918. Other Soviet cities since reverted ... more

Photo: Anagoria, Wikimedia Commons

Yekaterinburg, Russia, was founded in 1723 and named for Tsar Peter... Photo-5804223.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Batavia is a name that invokes the heyday of the Dutch empire.

Batavia is a name that invokes the heyday of the Dutch empire.

Photo: Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Wikimedia Commons

Batavia is a name that invokes the heyday of the Dutch empire. Photo-5804225.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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The city was renamed Jakarta during Japanese occupation in World War II and has kept the name as the capital of independent Indonesia.

The city was renamed Jakarta during Japanese occupation in World War II and has kept the name as the capital of independent Indonesia.

Photo: Getty Images

The city was renamed Jakarta during Japanese occupation in World... Photo-5804226.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

Ahuzat Bayit was the original name of this city founded in 1909. Photo-5804243.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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The name of the Israeli city was soon changed to Tel Aviv.

The name of the Israeli city was soon changed to Tel Aviv.

Photo: Ariel Schalit

The name of the Israeli city was soon changed to Tel Aviv. Photo-5804244.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Abyssinia also sounds like the name of an ancient place.

Abyssinia also sounds like the name of an ancient place.

Photo: Mark Sissons

Abyssinia also sounds like the name of an ancient place. Photo-5804245.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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But the current name, Ethiopia, is actually even older.

But the current name, Ethiopia, is actually even older.

Photo: Jason Straziuso, STF

But the current name, Ethiopia, is actually even older. Photo-5804246.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Col. Joseph Mobutu changed his name, to Mobutu Sese Seko, and the name of his country, to Zaire, after seizing power in a coup in 1965. Zaire might be best known as the site of the "Rumble in the Jungle" bout between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman on Oct. 30, 1974. less

Col. Joseph Mobutu changed his name, to Mobutu Sese Seko, and the name of his country, to Zaire, after seizing power in a coup in 1965. Zaire might be best known as the site of the "Rumble in the Jungle" bout ... more

The country was known by the Belgian colonial Congo name after gaining independence in 1960. After Mobutu's regime was toppled in 1997, new leader Laurent Kabila renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo. less

The country was known by the Belgian colonial Congo name after gaining independence in 1960. After Mobutu's regime was toppled in 1997, new leader Laurent Kabila renamed the country the Democratic Republic of ... more

Photo: Jerome Delay, AP

The country was known by the Belgian colonial Congo name after... Photo-5804248.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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The name "Rhodesia" came from Cecil Rhodes, who pushed British rule north from the South Africa Cape Colony, where he was prime minister. The British South Africa Company administered Northern and Southern Rhodesia from 1891 until the United Kingdom took it over in 1923. Rhodes also was behind this 650-foot-long iron bridge across Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall, which separated Northern and Southern Rhodesia. less

The name "Rhodesia" came from Cecil Rhodes, who pushed British rule north from the South Africa Cape Colony, where he was prime minister. The British South Africa Company administered Northern and Southern ... more

Photo: Mark Sissons, Special To The Chronicle

The name "Rhodesia" came from Cecil Rhodes, who pushed... Photo-5804249.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Northern Rhodesia became Zambia when it gained independence in 1964. The white minority government of Southern Rhodesia unilaterally declared its independence as "Rhodesia" in 1965, but the United Kingdom did not recognize this and demanded more rights for the black majority. The country finally held free elections in 1979 and independent Zimbabwe was born the following year. less

Northern Rhodesia became Zambia when it gained independence in 1964. The white minority government of Southern Rhodesia unilaterally declared its independence as "Rhodesia" in 1965, but the United Kingdom did ... more

In 1984, a year after taking power in a coup, President Thomas Sankara changed the country's name to Burkina Faso, meaning "the country of honorable people."

In 1984, a year after taking power in a coup, President Thomas Sankara changed the country's name to Burkina Faso, meaning "the country of honorable people."

Photo: Raphael De Bengy, AFP/Getty Images

In 1984, a year after taking power in a coup, President Thomas... Photo-5804254.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Moving to the New World, Tenochtitlan was the Aztec capital.

Moving to the New World, Tenochtitlan was the Aztec capital.

Photo: Christine Delsol, Special To SFGate

Moving to the New World, Tenochtitlan was the Aztec capital. Photo-5804255.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Now, it's Mexico City.

Now, it's Mexico City.

Photo: Jose Sebastian, AP

Now, it's Mexico City. Photo-5804256.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Territorial disputes between the United Kingdom and Guatemala delayed the independence of the country formerly known as British Honduras until 1981.

Territorial disputes between the United Kingdom and Guatemala delayed the independence of the country formerly known as British Honduras until 1981.

Photo: Eileen McClelland

Territorial disputes between the United Kingdom and Guatemala... Photo-5804258.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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It's now Belize.

It's now Belize.

Photo: Eileen McClelland

It's now Belize. Photo-5804259.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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This North American capital was originally known as Bytown.

This North American capital was originally known as Bytown.

Photo: FRED CHARTRAND, Associated Press

This North American capital was originally known as Bytown. Photo-5804260.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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It's Ottawa, Canada.

It's Ottawa, Canada.

Photo: Sean Kilpatrick, Associated Press

It's Ottawa, Canada. Photo-5804261.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Ottawa has nothing on the original name of another Canadian city: "Pile of Bones," named that because Cree hunters stacked the bones of killed buffalo in the belief that buffalo herds would return to the area to visit the bones. less

Ottawa has nothing on the original name of another Canadian city: "Pile of Bones," named that because Cree hunters stacked the bones of killed buffalo in the belief that buffalo herds would return to the area ... more

Photo: Regina Library

Ottawa has nothing on the original name of another Canadian city:... Photo-5804262.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

On Nov. 13, 1851, a group of settlers landed on a peninsula and formed a
settlement eventually dubbed "New York Alki." The following year, some
of them decided the area across the bay was a better spot and settled
there, calling it Dewamps. less

On Nov. 13, 1851, a group of settlers landed on a peninsula and formed a
settlement eventually dubbed "New York Alki." The following year, some
of them decided the area across the bay was a better spot and ... more

Photo: Brad Vest/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

On Nov. 13, 1851, a group of settlers landed on a peninsula and... Photo-5804266.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Later in 1852, a new arrival convinced residents to name the place Seattle.

Later in 1852, a new arrival convinced residents to name the place Seattle.

Photo: JORDAN STEAD, SEATTLEPI.COM

Later in 1852, a new arrival convinced residents to name the place... Photo-5804267.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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In 1778, Captain James Cook landed on this chain, which he dubbed the Sandwich Islands, after First Lord of the Admiralty John Montagu, Fourth Earl of Sandwich.

In 1778, Captain James Cook landed on this chain, which he dubbed the Sandwich Islands, after First Lord of the Admiralty John Montagu, Fourth Earl of Sandwich.

Photo: Anna Gorin, Getty Images/Flickr RF

In 1778, Captain James Cook landed on this chain, which he dubbed... Photo-5804268.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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It's Hawaii.

It's Hawaii.

Photo: Joe Kafka, AP

It's Hawaii. Photo-5804269.78834 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Dutch explorer Abel Tasman named this island Van Diemen's Land in honor of Anthony van Diemen, the governor-general of the Dutch East Indies.

Dutch explorer Abel Tasman named this island Van Diemen's Land in honor of Anthony van Diemen, the governor-general of the Dutch East Indies.